MSC Cruises became the fourth cruise line to cancel its planned winter season in the Middle East for 2026-27.

Following similar announcements from Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Explora Journeys, the company revealed its decision in late March.

As the largest ship in the region, the MSC World Europa was scheduled to offer cruises in the Arabian Gulf between November 2026 and March 2027.

Sailing from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, the ship’s itineraries included visits to destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

In a press release, MSC stated that the cancellation was related to a revision of its winter deployment, which was aimed at reinforcing its presence in the Caribbean.

With its Middle East operations cancelled, the World Europa is now scheduled to offer itineraries departing from the French Antilles.

The 5,400-passenger ship will replace the MSC Seaview, which was originally set to operate in the region and will now sail in South America.

Also part of the MSC Cruises Group, Explora Journeys had already cancelled its plans for the Arabian Gulf in 2026-27.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the company will redeploy the Explora II, introducing a winter season in the Western Mediterranean.

The upscale brand stated that the change was intended to “provide guests and travel advisors with clarity and confidence” as they plan their future trips.

Two Carnival-owned companies, Costa and AIDA, were the first to withdraw their ships from the Middle East ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The European brands cancelled their seasons in mid-March in favor of new winter programs in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

While four companies have now redeployed their ships, three other brands haven’t announced changes to their planned 2026-27 seasons in the Arabian Gulf: TUI, Aroya and Celestyal.

Sailing from ports in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the companies plan to deploy four ships in the region between November and April.